Does My Computer Really Need Antivirus Protection?
Large-scale data breaches were up by 273 percent in the first quarter of last year! If a hacker gets control of your personal information the consequences can be enormous.
Have you been asking yourself, "Do I need antivirus software?" If this question has crossed your mind then the answer is yes, you need antivirus software. Read on to learn more.
While many advances have been made to secure computers, there are still certain areas where you will become vulnerable to cybercriminals if you are not prudent in securing your computer. If you're still on the fence about whether or not you need antivirus, here's a look at some of the top reasons why you cannot afford not to have it.
Why You Need Antivirus Software
One of the main reasons why you need antivirus software is the fact that new malware and viruses are being discovered every day. Every day new online threats are created by cybercriminals.
If you have a Mac or PC and have been wondering, “Do I need an antivirus for my MacBook?” or “Do I need an antivirus on Windows 10?” then the answer is, yes.
Each of these operating systems is very susceptible to viruses. This means that you cannot afford not to have anti-virus software installed.
How Does Antivirus Software Work?
Antivirus software protects your device by scanning it for viruses and malware. It also scans for other forms of cyber threats. When an antivirus detects something malicious on your computer, it will quarantine it.
One of the main features of antivirus software is that it has a behavior-based detection system. This behavior-based detection system will find and locate new viruses and malware.
Most antivirus software has a scan feature. You can scan your PC for viruses when you suspect that something may be wrong. You can also schedule a scan so that your antivirus software can check for viruses consistently.
As mentioned before, if antivirus software detects a virus, it will quarantine it until you can take a look at it and get rid of it. The act of quarantining effectively prevents it from spreading to the rest of your PC.
Additionally, antivirus software will provide you with web browsing protection. There are many malicious websites out there that are just waiting to capture your personal information.
You may also encounter phishing emails as well. Your antivirus software will quickly detect these and protect your PC.
Does My Computer Really Need Antivirus Protection?
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Take Advantage of Security Bundles
To get more downloads on their digital security systems many companies will partner with antivirus software manufacturers. By bundling this type of software together you will get extra protection. Here are some of the major features that you can expect when software has been bundled together
Parental Controls
If you have children you may want to consider an antivirus that comes bundled with a digital security system that contains parental controls. This will help to keep your kids from accessing information that could be detrimental. If you are a parent then this is an invaluable tool to protect your child from harmful material on the internet.
Access Firewalls
Digital security systems that are bundled with antivirus software can also provide you with firewalls. Firewalls are very good at blocking malicious software that can occur on your device’s network.
As good as many antivirus software applications are, they often do not come with firewall protection.
Get Secure Browsers
If you want to venture away from traditional browsers, often antivirus software will come with a secure browser. If it doesn't come with a secure browser then it might have a third-party browser that offers extra protection and security.
These browsers provide security that will prevent your internet service provider from spying on you and collecting data about your browsing habits.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Antivirus Software
The most important thing you need to do when you have anti-virus software is to ensure that it is updated very often. There are always new viruses being created. Neglecting to keep your antivirus software up to date can be extremely dangerous.
There are many different antivirus software on the market and you may be tempted to download more than one of them on your computer. This is not a good idea.
Running two different antivirus software applications together can send conflicting information to your computer. This conflicting information will cause your system to crash if you are not careful.
Bear in mind too that whenever you have antivirus software it is best to enable real-time scanning. Real-time scanning is beneficial because it will prevent you from having to scan your device manually. If you're a busy person you may forget to do this scanning manually and put your computer at risk.
Make sure that your antivirus software is set up to scan all incoming emails automatically. This is especially important if you get business emails from clients and customers. The last thing you want is for this type of information to be compromised.
Do I Need Antivirus Software for Mac or PC?
Now you know exactly what you should be looking for when selecting antivirus software. You also know the answer to the question, “Do I need antivirus?”
It should now be clear to you why the answer is yes, as well as all the benefits that antivirus software can give you. The best thing you can do is to assess your needs and then see which types of antivirus suits you. This is the easiest way to find one that will fit your budget and your security needs.
If you would like more information about antivirus software or help to remove a virus from your computer please contact us to book an appointment.
